Lawrence High School’s journalism students took first place in the 6A division sweepstakes competition in the Kansas Scholastic Press Association’s annual competition.

“High school journalism is really competitive in Kansas, so we are really excited about our win,” said LHS journalism advisor Barb Tholen.

The competition involved 20 categories of journalism, including 11 contests covering graphic design, photography and video; and nine on-site writing and editing categories.

The 1,400 entries were reviewed by 60 judges who awarded first, second and third places, as well as honorable mentions. LHS students competed against both 5A and 6A schools in the individual competitions. Sweepstakes awards were presented in each class.

Free State High School’s journalism team, including the Free Press finished in a tie with Shawnee Mission Northwest for sixth place in the 6A sweepstakes.

Individual awards included:

Lawrence High School:

Zia Kelly, first place, feature writing

Elsa Regan and Susan Rockhold, second place, yearbook theme development

Nico Palacio, second place, advertising

Brooke Braman, third place, editing

Kendra Schwartz, third place, headline writing

Free State High School:

Jacob Hood, second place, editorial cartoon

Rachel Baumbach, third place, yearbook layout

Ryan Liston, third place, news sports writing